Just entering their primes and still improving, Veldheer and Houston sit firmly inside the top 10 on Around The League's list of the best 101 free agents this season. McKenzie needs to acquire more players of their ilk rather than setting them free to the highest bidder.

The distribution of talent at the NFL level means there isn't much difference between league-average starters and capable reserves. The key to consistent winning, then, is to identify, develop and keep high-end starters on the roster.

The Raiders accomplished the first two items on that list with Veldheer and Houston. They have the resources to pull off the third as well, but have thus far been unable or unwilling to pull the trigger.